Objective
Knowledge regarding the complex interplay between agricultural land use and management and soil quality and function is fragmented and incomplete, in particular with regard to underlying principles and regulating mechanisms. The main aim of iSQAPER is to develop an interactive soil quality assessment tool (SQAPP) for agricultural land users that integrates newly derived process understanding and accounts for the impact of agricultural land use and management on soil properties and functions, and related ecosystem services. For this purpose, >30 long-term experimental field trials in the EU and China will be analysed to derive regulating principles for integration in SQAPP. SQAPP will be developed using a multi-actor approach aiming at facilitating social innovation and providing options to land users for cost-effective agricultural management activities to enhance soil quality and crop productivity. SQAPP will be tested extensively in 14 dedicated Case Study Sites in the EU and China covering a wide spectrum of farming systems and pedo-climatic zones, and rolled-out across the continents thereafter. Within the Case Study sites a range of alternative agricultural practices will be selected, implemented and evaluated with regard to effects on improving soil quality and crop productivity. Proven practices will be evaluated for their potential applicability at EU and China levels, and to assess the related soil environmental footprint under current and future agricultural trends and various agricultural policy scenarios. How the soil quality tool can be utilized for different policy purposes, e.g. in cross compliance and agro-environmental measures, will also be investigated and demonstrated. A comprehensive dissemination and communication strategy, including a web-based information portal, will ensure that project results are available to a variety of stakeholders at the right time and in appropriate formats to enhance soil quality and productivity in the EU and China.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
H2020-SFS-2014-2
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
6708 PB Wageningen
Netherlands
Participants (24)
1049 Brussels
5070 Frick
3012 Bern
7000 803 Evora
28040 Madrid
SW1W 9NF London
84029 Sicignano Degli Alburni
6708 PB Wageningen
6708 PB Wageningen
20290 Lublin
51014 Tartu
1000 Ljubljana
011464 Bucuresti
3045-093 Coimbra
03202 Elche
11855 Athina
100081 Beijing
712100 Yangling
610066 Chengdu
3572 ZT Utrecht
1018 VC Amsterdam
8200 Veszprem
210008 Nanjing
35370 Argentre Du Plessis